Linebacker Larry Foote spent Tuesday morning fielding enough questions about his supposed release from the Steelers and a possible return to his native Detroit that he actually thought the team had cut him.

A phone conversation with Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert in the afternoon cleared up things for Foote.

Sort of.

Foote said Colbert told him that the Steelers are trying to trade the eighth-year veteran, but that they have not committed to releasing him if a deal with another team cannot be worked out. When asked if he expects to be released if he is not traded, Foote said, "That's the question I posed, and (Colbert) said that's up to (coach) Mike Tomlin. He said he doesn't know."

Tomlin has said he would like to have Foote back. But Foote, who has been a starter at inside linebacker since 2004, said he wants to go to a team where he can be an every-down player. Former first-round draft pick Lawrence Timmons is expected to start ahead of Foote this season.

Foote, who usually is removed in passing situations, said he requested a trade in February.

The 6-foot-1, 239-pounder said he plans to skip minicamp, which starts Friday and is mandatory, in an attempt to force the Steelers' hand.

"The role for me to grow, it ain't there for me anymore, so it's time for me to get a fresh start," Foote said. "I think I've been bottled up a little bit in Pittsburgh."

The Steelers could clear about $3 million in salary cap space by jettisoning Foote, who is going into the final year of his contract. They have a replacement in Timmons, a third-year man.

Timmons emerged as a force in 2008 after playing sparingly as a rookie. The promise he showed last season made may have made Foote expendable, something even Foote acknowledged at various times last season.

There is a perception that the clock started ticking on Foote's time in Pittsburgh, or at least in the starting lineup, after the Steelers took Timmons in the first round of the 2007 draft. But Foote said he has long coveted a bigger role than the one he has with the Steelers, which is why he wants to go elsewhere.

"I've been wanting that for quite some time," he said, "even before Timmons actually got there."

The Steelers may be able to fetch something in return for Foote.

Foote turns just 29 in June and has started for two Super Bowl-winning teams. Foote led the Steelers in tackles in 2005 (123), and his 86 tackles last season were fifth most on the team.

He has been linked with the Lions since he is from Detroit and still has strong ties to the community there.

"At this point, I'll go to whoever wants me and get a chance to show what I can really do," Foote said.

Drafted in the fourth round in 2002, Foote played primarily on special teams in his first two seasons with the Steelers before cracking the starting lineup.

If and when he and the Steelers part ways, Foote said he will only have fond memories of the time he spent in Pittsburgh.

"I don't have any ill-feelings toward the team, the organization, the coaches or any of that," Foote said. "I got two Super Bowls, made some money, played for one of the best franchises in football so what else can I ask for?"

Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.

truesteelerfan

04-29-2009, 07:32 PM

So then as of right now...he's still a Steeler?

ShutDown24

04-29-2009, 07:44 PM

So then as of right now...he's still a Steeler?

Guess so. If we can't get a trade for him, even though it's not necessarily the best for the team, I think the club should release him. I'm usually someone who says if you sign a contract you should stick to your commitment, but in this specific case I would be inclined to say we should let him look elsewhere if that is truly what he wants.

truesteelerfan

04-29-2009, 07:50 PM

How much are we really asking for him....I think most of us feel he would immediately go in and start of at least half of the other NFL teams....I hope we're not being greedy, even a 3rd round pick next year is better than cutting him right?

tony hipchest

04-29-2009, 08:04 PM

he wont get a third. the broncos are crazy for not offering up a 6th for him.

Steelman16

04-29-2009, 08:06 PM

Surprised the Lions haven't jumped all over this...anybody who actuallys wants to play for your sorry franchise needs to be snatched up as quickly as possible.

ShutDown24

04-29-2009, 08:21 PM

Surprised the Lions haven't jumped all over this...anybody who actuallys wants to play for your sorry franchise needs to be snatched up as quickly as possible.

They need someone to play inside backer for them too. At least until Dizon can get a hang of the pro game. If Foote does get released, I don't think it would be any secret that the Lions would probably be the front runner for his services.

The cats out of the bag, he can be had for nothing if they hold out till he's released.

Anyone who trades for him will renegotiate a new deal anyway so why give up a draft choice.

madtowndrunkard

04-30-2009, 09:51 AM

Foot is delusional. He's a dime a dozen ILB. Who want's a player who worries more about his own personal accolades then winning anyway? Good luck trading him....an average LB with an over blown ego. He just needs to come up with some stupid dance and he'll be on every ESPN highlight. He can call him self "Jazz Feet" ...what a loser.

He's got a rude awakening headed his way. Once he realizes that he was a product of our system he'll regret ever asking for his release. With out our D-line in front of him and Farrior at his side he's nothing. This guys ego is out of control. He doesn't even know who he is. This is the beginning to the end for Mr. Larry Foote.

How many players need to leave Pittsburgh to drive their careers off a cliff before these guys realize Pittsburgh is as good as it gets?

Texasteel

04-30-2009, 01:53 PM

I don't see where Foote deserves all this hate. It's for sure that he is not the best ILB in the NFL, not even 2nd or 3rd, but he has done a good job for us for a long time. He has alway done what he has been asked to do and has come to play every game. Remember he did hold on to the starting job for 2 years with Timmons, who we all seem to think is going to be a great play, breathing down his neck.

He just see's that it's time for Timmons to take over and wants to go someplace he will get more playing time. I don't know what kind of player he will be when and if he gets to his new team, but here he has done us a good job, and should be treated with at least some respect.

Good luck Larry, I hope you get everything your hoping for. AND THANK YOU!

steelreserve

04-30-2009, 02:06 PM

The hell with trading him if all we're going to get is a 6th-round pick, or releasing him if we're not going to get anything. Make him play out his contract, and if he holds out, suspend him and keep his paycheck. He'll be gone after a year anyway, but the guy needs a reality check.

devilsdancefloor

04-30-2009, 02:08 PM

Foot is delusional. He's a dime a dozen ILB. Who want's a player who worries more about his own personal accolades then winning anyway? Good luck trading him....an average LB with an over blown ego. He just needs to come up with some stupid dance and he'll be on every ESPN highlight. He can call him self "Jazz Feet" ...what a loser.

He's got a rude awakening headed his way. Once he realizes that he was a product of our system he'll regret ever asking for his release. With out our D-line in front of him and Farrior at his side he's nothing. This guys ego is out of control. He doesn't even know who he is. This is the beginning to the end for Mr. Larry Foote.

How many players need to leave Pittsburgh to drive their careers off a cliff before these guys realize Pittsburgh is as good as it gets?

Foote sucks so bad he held off timmons and #1 draft choice for 2 years yeah he sucks :uhh: :uhh: :uhh: He isnt the greatest ILB, but he is pretty damn good. He has to be to even make our roster of LBers. I actually think he is being a real man about this unlike others in the past. Good luck where ever you end up !

steelreserve

04-30-2009, 02:13 PM

Foote sucks so bad he held off timmons and #1 draft choice for 2 years yeah he sucks :uhh: :uhh: :uhh: He isnt the greatest ILB, but he is pretty damn good. He has to be to even make our roster of LBers. I actually think he is being a real man about this unlike others in the past. Good luck where ever you end up !

No. Being a real man about it is doing what Townsend does every year, not this diva bullshit. Sad that the bar is set so low that all you have to do to be a "good guy" is not bitch to the media. My post in the other thread is a bit more detailed, if anyone cares: http://forums.steelersfever.com/showpost.php?p=599744&postcount=68

triphahn

04-30-2009, 09:59 PM

No one is going to give up anything now IMO.

The cats out of the bag, he can be had for nothing if they hold out till he's released.

Anyone who trades for him will renegotiate a new deal anyway so why give up a draft choice.

You called that. And he's good as released. Hope it works out for him he's been an important part of the team.